Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods Official Movie Guide
Cast Comment Collection
We asked the castmembers who appeared in the movie about their current feelings! It’s full of valuable talk that you can’t hear anywhere else!!
Cast Member #1 / Beerus, God of Destruction
Kōichi Yamadera
PROFILE
Affiliated with Across Entertainment. Main works in which he has appeared: Hunter × Hunter (Silva Zaoldyeck), Gintama (Yoshida Shōyō), Neon Genesis Evangelion (Ryōji Kaji), etc.
First of all, what were your thoughts when you heard about working on Dragon Ball?
First, when I learned that I’d have the honor of being able to appear, I was simply happy: “All right~, I’m glad!” But when I learned what kind of role I’d be playing, I got a little scared: “this just got tough”.
What were your impressions of Beerus, the character you played? In addition, please tell us your impressions about Whis.
Beerus is cat-like, childlike, a gourmand, and an unbelievably strong god of destruction… He’s a multi-faceted, appealing character, but hard to play! Whis is pretty! I think he makes a well-balanced combination with Beerus.
What did you take care with in playing your character?
I tried to play him as an appealing character, bringing out naturally his (aforementioned) multiple facets, which you could say are contradictory.
What traits do you have in common with Beerus?
How he normally lazes around, but when it’s time to get down to business, he gets it done! (I’d like to think so, at least)
Please tell us your favorite character apart from Beerus.
I suppose Vegeta, when he was caught between a rock and a hard place.
What sort of work is Dragon Ball to you, Yamadera-san?
The pride of Japan. A work that’s god in itself!
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
I had the honor of playing an incredible role in an incredible work! I think I’ll probably never play a character this strong again. By all means, please see it at the theater!
Cast Member #2 / Whis
Masakazu Morita
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works in which he has appeared: Bleach (Ichigo Kurosaki), Tiger & Bunny (Barnaby Brooks, Jr.), Kingdom (Xin), etc.
First of all, what were your thoughts when you heard about working on Dragon Ball?
It was like a dream. I had appeared previously as Vegeta’s younger brother Tarble, but this time was a movie. I was really happy, and I consider it a major honor.
What were your impressions of Whis, the character you played? In addition, please tell us your impressions about Beerus.
He’s a man of many mysteries, who possesses many sides to him, yet they are all shrouded behind a veil. It was a lot of fun playing him. Beerus–sama is a character who makes your heart pound all the time.
What did you take care with in playing your character?
It was really exciting and a lot of fun to play Whis, but it was an extremely difficult role. I had to play him maintaining a certain level of energy, while portraying both sides of his personality without making it noticeable as such. It was a role that required quite a bit of concentration.
Please tell us your favorite scene.
At the beginning, in the one long conversation with Beerus-sama over dinner, I meticulously expressed his enigmatic character. It’s a scene I’d like you to train your ears on.
Please tell us about the atmosphere at the recording studio.
It was a wonderful environment, where, while having the opportunity to study my seniors’ performances up-close, I was also able to try my hand at many things.
If you could be a Dragon Ball character, who would you want to be?
Up until now, it’s been Goku, Piccolo, or Cell, but after appearing in this movie, it’s definitely Whis!! I mean, Whis is… It’s a secret.
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
At any rate, it’s a work that will satisfy you, no mistake! And it’s a work that will warm your heart! By all means, I’d like you to see it at the movie theater!!
Cast Member #3 / Kame-Sen’nin
Masaharu Satō
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works in which he has appeared: Kinnikuman (Buffaloman), Fairy Tail (Ivan Dreyar), Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (Duke), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
It was an enjoyable time being able to work alongside my colleagues from back when.
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
How he’s actually incredibly strong, but normally he’s just a lecherous, fun old man.
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
I’d like both his gentle and tough sides to be felt through my performance.
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
The role played by the father-and-sons team of Goku, Gohan, and Goten.
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
Please enjoy thoroughly the real Dragon Ball.
Cast Member #4 / Bulma
Hiromi Tsuru
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works in which she has appeared: Soreike! Anpanman (Dokinchan), Kimagure Orange☆Road (Madoka Ayukawa), The Story of Perrine (Perrine), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
The recording was held over two days; it was a lot of fun, and I was filled with a pleasant feeling of tiredness.
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
I believe that Bulma is a lighthearted and bright woman. She hasn’t changed from when she was a girl.
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
Nothing in particular. When I enter the Dragon Ball studio, I naturally get into character as Bulma. ♥
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
It’s full of highlights, but the must-see is the scene with Vegeta like none before it!
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie..
I am confident that this is a really fun work. Both the staff and cast came together and worked as hard as they could to bring it to completion. By all means, [please see it]!
Cast Member #5 / Kuririn
Mayumi Tanaka
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works in which she has appeared: One Piece (Monkey D. Luffy), YuYu Hakusho (Koenma), Nintama Rantarō (Settsu-no-Kirimaru), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
Dragon Ball really is exciting…!!
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
How he cherishes his wife and child. His modesty. (Although he was a devious one when he was a kid…)
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
The ad-libs when everyone’s talking at Bulma’s party.
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
Everyone’s ad-libs at Bulma’s birthday party! Although you might not be able to hear them very well…
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
Sorry for the wait, everyone. Please enjoy it as much as you can!
Cast Member #6 / Vegeta
Ryō Horikawa
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aslead Company. Main works in which he has appeared: Magical☆Taluluto-kun (Tsutomu Harako), Ghost Sweeper Mikami (Tadao Yokoshima), Detective Conan / Case Closed (Heiji Hattori / Harley Hartwell), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
It was fun. I even sang a song. (laughs)
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
I suppose how he holds on stubbornly to his values.
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
I thought I’d try and play the part in a funky way.
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
The scene where he shouts, “What are you doing to my Bulma?!!”
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
Please enjoy Vegeta’s brand-new appeal.
Cast Member #7 / Piccolo
Toshio Furukawa
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works he has appeared in: One Piece (Portgas D. Ace), Akuma-kun (Mephisto II), Urusei Yatsura (Ataru Moroboshi), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
It was a lot of fun working on the recording!
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
I think it’s his two aspects, how he’s the stern-faced nihilist of the Z Warriors, but also the kind one who shielded Gohan with his own body.
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
I checked in the script so that I’d be able to tell at a glance where the scene was, even in scenes where the flow of it was hard to grasp.
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
Be on the look out for scenes where familiar characters make unusual facial expressions. Any more than that would be spoilers…
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
This is a huge movie like none before it, which has Akira Toriyama-sensei’s involvement all over it! By all means, please witness it at the theater!
Cast Member #8 / Yamcha
Tōru Furuya
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works he has appeared in: Saint Seiya (Pegasus Seiya), Mobile Suit Gundam (Amuro Ray), Star of the Giants (Hyūma Hoshi), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
It was lots of fun. ♥
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
The way that, while he’s a handsome warrior, he’s also the most human and likable of them.
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
The ad-libs we did in the party scene.
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
That Vegeta’s ******* scene. ♪
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
It’s a super-fun movie, just as you’ve been anticipating! Look forward to it!!
Cast Member #9 / Tenshinhan
Hikaru Midorikawa
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works he has appeared in: Slam Dunk (Kaede Rukawa), Nura: Rise of the Youkai Clan — Demon Capital (Hidemoto Kekain XIII), Fate/Zero (Lancer), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
I wanted to talk a little bit more. (laughs) But I was glad to have the honor of participating in a celebratory work like this. ♪
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
How he’s serious, I suppose.
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
The ad-lib scenes. There were quite a few more than I thought there would be.
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
The cool battle scenes, of course!
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
It’s the first of the Dragon Ball world in a long while! By all means, enjoy it to your heart’s content. ♪
Cast Member #10 / Trunks
Takeshi Kusao
PROFILE
Affiliated with Aoni Production. Main works he has appeared in: Slam Dunk (Hanamichi Sakuragi), Ring ni Kakero (Ishimatsu Katori), Sergeant Frog (Lance Corporal Dororo), etc.
Please give us your thoughts after finishing your performance.
I had recorded for Kai, so it didn’t feel like it had been that long, but since it was a new work, I played my part with a fresh feeling.
Please tell us about the appeal of the character you played.
I believe that everyone watching already knows. (laughs)
Was there anything you struggled with or worked on a certain way during recording?
Struggles… How, just like 20 years ago, there were no visuals.
Worked on a certain way… I’ve got the role down better than 20 years ago. (laughs)
Are there any parts you’d like us to pay particular attention to?
Please compare how much [Trunks] has changed from the kid Trunks of 20 years ago. (laughs)
Lastly, please give a message to those fans who are going to see the movie.
I am extremely happy for there to be a new work produced like this, and also to be able to play the same role, even though it’s been quite a while since the original manga concluded. Please support [the movie] so that further new works might be made.
Guest Cast Member #1 / Motorcycle Cop
Kaori Matsumoto
PROFILE
A Japanese women’s judo athlete. At the London Olympics, held in summer 2012, she won the gold medal in the women’s 57 kg weight class.
What were your thoughts when the offer [to appear in] the movie came to you?
I was really happy to learn that I’d be able to perform alongside Goku, an individual I’ve admired since I was young.
How was your first attempt at recording?
It was my first performance, and I was really nervous, but I was able to enjoy acting.
What is Dragon Ball to you, Matsumoto-san?
Since I was little, I’ve gotten energy from Dragon Ball, and worked hard at Judo. Even now, my desire to become “unrivaled” like Goku is my driving force.
Please give a few words for those readers who are looking forward to the opening of the movie.
In having the honor of appearing in this work, I was reminded once again of my desire to become strong like Goku.
I’d like to work even harder at Judo than before, without forgetting this feeling. I’d like for those who will be going to see the movie to remember when they themselves were little, as well.
Guest Cast Member #2 / Oracle Fish
Shōko Nakagawa
PROFILE
Affiliated with Watanabe Entertainment, Inc. Is energetically active on variety shows and as a singer. Held her first Asian concert tour in 2012.
Please tell us how you felt when you were selected as a guest voice.
First I was happy to learn about the new movie, and then the next day, I was told about this, and almost fainted. Even now, I’m unbelievably happy, from the bottom of my body, and my organs, and I’m honored, and pleased.
The Oracle Fish is a cute character designed by Toriyama-sensei, so I’d like everyone to look out for it.
When was your first encounter with Dragon Ball?
When I was in elementary school, I watched the rebroadcast in the evening, and so I spent an era with the happiness of watching
Dragon Ball Z at night.
My particular favorite was the “Cell arc”, which made my heart pound with anticipation every week.
What did you feel in doing the voice? Please tell us about, for example, the difficulties, or the fun.
So as not to disrupt the world [of the story], I played [the role] concentrating on making it as unrecognizable as Shokotan as possible.
There’s nothing that could make me happier than being able to breathe life into a member of the Dragon Ball [world] I love so much!!
In your own mind, what is “strength”?
Putting your life on the line for other people and challenging the enemy in front of you, the way Goku always shows us. I think the reason that [Dragon Ball] beloved by people the world over is because it’s packed with that love.
Lastly, please give a message to the fans who will be seeing the movie.
You can’t miss the happy scenes, the surprising scenes, every single line and even the corners of the screen. Please witness this miracle after a 17-year gap at the movie theater!
The Oracle Fish is only there for a little bit, but don’t miss it, either!!
Main Theme: “Cha-La Head-Cha-La”
FLOW
PROFILE
A five-member rock band composed of Keigo, Kohshi, Iwasaki, Got’s, and Take. Made their major-label debut in 2003 with the single “Blaster”. They have handled a large number of theme songs for TV animation, Naruto and Code Geass being representative of them.
What were your first thoughts when talk came of [you doing] the theme song?
We were truly happy. We’re part of the generation that was brought up watching
Dragon Ball, so when it was announced that we would be handling the main theme and the insert song for
Dragon Ball, we got a lot of messages from so many friends, relatives, and acquaintances we’ve made since our debut.
To us, Dragon Ball is an anime with a truly large presence. We consider it a real honor.
What was your concept when you made your cover of “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA”?
“CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA”, revived in the modern day!!!
What were you careful about when singing, and arranging [the song]?
Without paying too close attention to the singing, we worked hard to make it a FLOW-style song. As for the arrangement, we worked hard to make an arrangement that both people who have been fans since way back, and people who will be encountering this song for the first time, can enjoy. As big fans of both the original manga and the original song ourselves, we believe that it’s been finished up into something worthy of its name.
Is there a part that you absolutely want us to listen for?
Rather than a part we want you to listen for, we’d be happy if everyone could [raise their voices] as one and sing [parts such as] “Fly Away” and “Sparking!” together.
Lastly, please give a message to FLOW fans, and the fans who will be getting out to the theater.
Being the first new movie in 17 years, we’d be happy for you to enjoy the FLOW-style “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” and insert song “Hero: Song of Hope” alongside the familiar characters and the story.
This year is our 10-year anniversary of our debut. We’re happy as can be to have had the honor of doing this collaboration during a momentous year. With this momentum, we’re going to do a tour through all 47 of Japan’s prefectures. Everyone, by all means please come out to see us in concert. Let’s shout together, “Sparking!!!”
English Translation: SaiyaJedi
